What makes a good Mule Deer Cape

BeDawg

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This is my first time logging into the taxidermy section of MM. I haven't read much of anything on this and am trying to determine what makes a good muley cape? Is it a unibrow? Ears that are cut? double white patch on the neck etc... I am not a taxidermist but want to preserve a cape for a mount or maybe for someone else. I just want to know the difference between good/fair.
 
I think its a lot opinion. Personally for me I like the hair to be about slicked off sept/early oct. I Know a lot of guys like the winter coat look. I also like a lot of white on the cape especially muzzle and the chest and shoulders to be dark. No split ears for me unless it is the original bucks cape. just my opinion though and I am no taxi. I got an archery buck late in the season this year that is a very pretty mount I plan to hang onto who knows maybe I will find a pair of sheds I want to mount up or maybe someone I know might need a replacement.
 
I would rather use a cape that has no drag marks, cut throat, bullet holes, blood stained or excess skinning/caping cuts. Field care is critacle for a pristine piece. If you are unsure how to skin/ cape an animal have your taxi do it. Some people like the short haired capes some like big rut capes, everyone has their own tastes. The things you mentioned can really add to a piece.
 
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder in most cases. Larger the cape the more it is worth. I prefer the thin September capes , dark brow, light face. Double throat patches are more rare and possibly worth more. No extra holes to sew with plenty of extra length on the hide.
 
If you compete generally you are looking for a very simetrical, non scared cape with fairly distinct color contrasts. Sometimes judges will also like seeing something very unique such as a red cap or a large double white patch with crisp edges. Actual hair quality is important. Density uniform length, straight with fairly uniformed finish tips to most of the hair. Typically only deer that have been eating well will have good hair quality.
 
This one had the prettiest cape I had ever seen. Unibrow, reddish, double throat patch and the thickest neck I've ever seen on any Muley.

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